Shelving units in their basic form consist of a frame and decking material. The frame can be constructed out of a variety of materials with the most common being steel sheet. The thickness of sheet metal is called its gauge and the lower its gauge number is, the thicker the steel is. Steel sheet ranges from about 30 gauge to 8 gauge, with thinner 30+ material called foil and thicker 8+ material called plate. The steel sheet is formed into structural members with various shapes for different applications and load carrying capacities. The capacities can range anywhere from a couple hundred pounds to 30,000 pounds or more.

It is important to design a shelving system around the maximum possible scenario. As an example, based on the criteria above an average homeowner may want to choose medium to heavy duty shelving for the garage that may include storing fertilizer or cement bags, tools, paint cans or cases of oil. A "Gear Head" might choose heavy duty or extra heavy duty shelving allowing engine part storage, tires and heavy shop tools. Whatever the required storage capacity is, there will be a shelving system to suit the application. When in doubt you should contact your supplier and discuss your application with them. They can help determine what capacities, sizes, and styles suit your needs and can provide multiple options that you may not have considered.

Light Switch
Another way to modernize your garage is to upgrade the light switch with one that’s illuminated when the lights are off. This eliminates fumbling around looking for the switch while leaning over, and holding the entry door open for enough light to find the switch. Even better, it’s inexpensive and easy to do yourself. With basic knowledge of electricity, all you have to do is turn off the breaker that feeds the switch and wire up the new switch the same way. There are no additional wires to worry about. The end result is a mild orange glow that’s easy to find in the dark. Another option is to add motion sensors to your garage lights so they come on as soon as you open the door. You can even get motion bases that screw into standard sockets. Once installed, all you have to do is screw in the light bulb as usual. This is a clever way to have motion activated lighting without having to do any wiring.